Mbappé’s extension to PSG delights but surprises specialists

Kylian Mbappé has finally decided: he remains at Paris Saint-Germain, learned franceinfo Saturday May 21 from his entourage. The 23-year-old striker was coming to the end of his contract with PSG and had the option of extending or leaving.

>> Extension of Kylian Mbappé at PSG: follow the reactions in our live

While he was very courted by Real Madrid, the native of Bondy chose to stay at the Parisian club. For specialists, the decision is surprising, even if many are delighted to see Kylian Mbappé stay in France.

“A good thing” for PSG and the supporters

“It’s a good thing for PSG and the fans”reacted the former French international Luis Fernandez. “Keeping such a talented player, with enormous qualities, is a good thing. He is a boy who never stops improving, setting crowds and stadiums on fire.” The one who is also a former player and coach of the Parisian club believes that Kylian Mbappé “has taken on a great dimension”thus rising “among the best in the world, the succession of Ronaldo and Messi”. “Let’s hope they finally manage to get that Champions League title next season”he added.

“We thought Kylian would leave” at Real

“I am very happy and even a little surprised because, lately, we thought that Kylian would leave for Real”explained for his part Francis Graille, former president of PSG between 2003 and 2005. “We should even consider it almost as a transfer because we managed, under the nose and beard of Real Madrid, to keep this player after signing Messi last year”he continued. “It’s extraordinary for the club. It’s a great victory”insisted Francis Graille. “It’s a choice: he was free and could go where he wanted. For Ligue 1 it’s fantastic because we will keep one of the best players in the world.”

“It will undoubtedly lead to a number of changes because if he chose to stay it is because he must have some insurance”, however, pointed the finger at Francis Graille. He “hope it will further improve the club and that the Champions League title is achievable”.

“I thought he would follow his dream”

For Jérôme Alonzo, franceinfo consultant and former PSG goalkeeper, the decision of Kylian Mbappé “is a guarantee of a job: passionate debates, great matches and quite simply one of the best players in the world who stays with us for at least a year”. But, despite his joy, Jérôme Alonzo does not hide his surprise at this extension. “I thought he would follow his dream”, he acknowledges. Qatar, owner of Paris-Saint-Germain, had according to him “draw an offer you can’t refuse”. “To fight a dream, there was only that: a viable project in the short term and a financial proposal that we could not refuse. It was these two elements combined that convinced Kylian to stay”he says.

“The financial aspect is not taken into account”

“I never thought Kylian was making fun of people saying he was thinking. I think he was actually thinking and thinking is not saying that Real Madrid have priority”analyzed Patrick Mboma, ex-player of PSG between 1992 and 1997. “I’m pretty sure that the financial aspect does not come into play”assures the former Parisian. “We can consider that it is a slap for the Madrid supporters”he acknowledges, but “At 23, refusing Real Madrid can allow 24, 25, or even 28-year-olds to get there, even if [les responsables du Real Madrid] are certainly very upset”.


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